Homeschooling with Gentleness: A Catholic Discovers Unschooling

How wonderful to finally read a book on Catholic unschooling, and from someone who has done it herself. I found this to be positive and reaffirming; however, I would have liked to have "seen" more of her own unschooling days and how she worked their Catholic faith into their lives.

I am just finishing this book, and it has been very helpful! We have used private and public schools, have homeschooled with various curricula, both secular and Catholic, but this book has given me the freedom to do what works for us. I am not going to worry any more about when and how the children are learning -- because they ARE learning! It is such a relief to know that we can do this with a Catholic mindset.

Whether you are a homeschooling parent or simply a parent concerned with the quality of your children's faith formation and education, you owe it to yourself and your family to learn a bit about the concept of "unschooling". In her new book Homeschooling with Gentleness: A Catholic Discovers Unschooling (Christendom Press, October 1004, paperback, 132 pages) takes a look at this "gentle" variation to the traditional homeschooling path. As a mother of two Catholic school students, I must admit that I initially approached Andres' book from a perspective of suspicion. My reading of this book, however, produced much fruit in the form of an enhanced appreciation for my own role, and especially that of my children themselves, in their own educations. In his comments on the book, noted author and professor Ralph McInerny reminds us that "The Church has always insisted that the parents are the primary educators of their children." Far from being critical of formal education, Andres book is a positive and uplifting commentary on the concept of "unschooling" and shares ideas and suggestions that will be of value to any family, regardless of your educational preferences.